St. Petersburg Boat Crash Lawyer
Florida’s vast network of coastline, rivers, and lakes make it one of the world’s most popular destinations for recreational boating. Unfortunately, with a lot of boats comes an increased risk for boating crashes. And these accidents often leave their victims with serious, long-term, and sometimes fatal injuries.
If you have been injured in a watercraft accident, an experienced St. Petersburg boat crash lawyer can assist you in seeking compensation from the negligent parties. Attorney Frank D. Butler has 30 years experience in representing boating accident victims. He and his team can investigate the causes of your accident and help you determine who is legally responsible for your injuries.
Understanding the Common Causes of Boat Crashes in Florida
There are hundreds of boat crashes reported in Florida each year. Operator negligence or error is the most common factor cited in these accidents. Many boat operators think that just because they are not driving a car, there are no rules or laws that apply to them on the waterways. Such dangerous thinking often leads to a crash.
Indeed, some of the more common causes of boat crashes include:
- operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
- failing to appoint a proper lookout for oncoming boat traffic or persons in the water;
- maintaining an excessive speed, especially during nighttime and other periods of low visibility;
- running aground due to navigational errors;
- making sudden or sharp turns; and
- mechanical or equipment failures resulting from faulty maintenance practices.
A boat operator can be held liable for negligence if their acts caused a boat crash. And if the boat owner is not the same person as the operator, the owner may also be responsible for allowing an unqualified or negligent operator to take out their boat. In certain cases, even a boat rental company or a boat manufacturer may be liable for a crash as well.
Contact Attorney Frank D. Butler Today
Boat accidents often raise a number of factual and legal issues that are not as common with something like a car accident. This is just one reason it is important to work with a qualified St. Petersburg boat crash attorney who specializes in maritime law and maritime accidents. Attorney Frank D. Butler and his team know how to fully and properly investigate a boat crash to determine who is legally responsible for a victim’s injuries.
And those injuries are often substantial. Some boat crashes lead to death. Even in non-fatal cases, victims may face months–or years–of painful recovery and rehabilitation. This not only means a mountain of medical bills but also the prospect of little or no income if they are unable to return to work. Our boat crash accident lawyers will make sure that all of these losses are taken into account when seeking an award of damages.
So if you have been seriously hurt in a boat crash and would like to learn more about your legal options, call the offices of Frank D. Butler, P.A., today at 888-BOAT-LAW to schedule an initial consultation.
